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Maori Fellowship
The Maori Ministry has been reorganised. Its new leaders are Joe and Nan Patea from Wellington, where the Maori Fellowship Council is now based. Wayne Coffey is the council chair and other council members are Peter Stanford and Walter Escott—all from Wellington
Purpose
The ministry aims to help those with an interest in the Maori culture to:
- know God (Te Atua) better
- worship God through waiata (song), karakia (prayer) and other unique forms of cultural expression
- reach out to people in need, especially those wanting to recover from addiction (in all forms) or who are in prison (in all forms), and
- take part in Christian fellowship
The ministry has a strong emphasis on support for each other and our respective whanau.
In summary it is simply a Christian group wanting to bring its members closer to God, participating enthusiastically in worship and reaching out to those in need, but in so doing incorporating unique aspects of the Maori culture.
At all times we want the ministry to integrate fully with the life of the corps and be part of its worship services.
We note however that currently very little of our indigenous culture (especially waiata) is found in Salvation Army services. We would like to have the opportunity to add a little cultural flavour to our corporate worship throughout the territory as a means of attracting more people to the gospel.
Participation
While those with a Maori heritage will be most attracted to our ministry we are keen to welcome anybody at all with an interest in our local culture.
Future Plans
Our first task is to let everyone know about the Ministry and see who wants to be involved.
The first meeting was a hui in Wanganui on 30 July. After that the leaders, accompanied by anyone who wants to participate, will be travelling throughout the territory visiting corps and building up contacts.
We are looking to start groups in as many areas as possible—that means finding local leaders. Local groups will meet regularly as we do here in Wellington to study the Bible, engage in worship and generally support each other, at the same time developing an understanding of te reo, waiata and karakia.
In Wellington our activities also include recovery ministry and prison visitation.
Council members
Give any of us on the Council a call if you have an interest in being part of this ministry
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